650 Men Get Abhinandan-Style Moustaches For Free: Bengaluru Hairdresser Says It’s His ‘Small Gesture’ For Patriotism

As a tribute to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, a Bengaluru hairdresser decided to give ‘Abhinandan-style’ moustaches to customers for free, reports Indian Express.

Nanesh Thakur who runs Nanesh Hair Salon & Spa says he believes the small gesture will instil patriotism in others. “By offering the cut, I will be instilling patriotism among the youth, which will motivate them to choose a career in the defence services,” he told PTI.

“Considering the popularity of our proud soldier, we decided to give free ‘Abhinandan Cut’ to all for a day at my salon and spa,” the hair designer said. However, there was much room for disappointment as many didn’t have a moustache long-enough to be styled like the famed Indian Air Force pilot.

Since his return to India, Wing Commander Abhinandan has been 'trending’ in pop-culture. Men across the country have imitated his moustache. The pilot also appeared in one of the advertisements of Amul which was widely appreciated.

In another not-so-appreciated attempt, Pizza Hut tried to offer free pizzas to anyone named Abhinandan, a gesture people criticised for trying to make commercial gains from his bravery.

Varthaman was captured by Pakistan after his MIG-21 aircraft crashed into Pakistani territory after engaging and successfully shooting down enemy’s F-16 fighter jet. Not only the pilot captured nation’s imagination with his bravery, but also his witty remark while he was being interviewed by Pakistani Army on camera.

Naveen Kumar, an ambulance driver, told BBC Hindi: “Abhinandan is a real hero, so I am getting a moustache like his.”

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